Auburn RB Kerryon Johnson to enter 2018 NFL draft

Auburn leading rusher Kerryon Johnson has second thoughts about playing as much as he did with a shoulder injury in Saturday's 28-7 loss to Georgia in the SEC title game in Atlanta.

Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson (21) is greeted by Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the Peach Bowl between Auburn and Central Florida on Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga.(Photo: Albert Cesare)

AUBURN — The Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Year has played his final game in an Auburn uniform.

Kerryon Johnson announced on Twitter on Tuesday evening that he’ll forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the 2018 NFL draft.

Johnson led the Southeastern Conference with 1,391 rushing yards and led Auburn with 18 touchdowns this season, helping the Tigers win a Western Division championship and reach their first SEC Championship Game since 2013.

“I have decided to enter the NFL draft. Thank you for the endless support that has not been deserved. I love Auburn and the Auburn family. War Eagle.”

Auburn RB Kerryon Johnson on entering the 2018 NFL draft.

“There aren’t enough words to express how grateful I am of the opportunity Auburn University has given me,” Johnson wrote on Twitter. “This is truly an amazing school with an amazing fan base. That being said … I have decided to enter the NFL draft. Thank you for the endless support that has not been deserved. I love Auburn and the Auburn family. War Eagle.”

Johnson, named the SEC top offensive player by the Associated Press and the league’s coaches, had 71 yards on 23 carries with a touchdown in Auburn’s 34-27 loss to Central Florida in Monday's Peach Bowl.

“Kerryon has made this team better both on and off the field with his character, competitiveness and leadership,” Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said in a statement Tuesday night.

Johnson, a three-year starter in Malzahn’s offense, said Saturday that he had submitted paperwork for scouting review to the NFL’s College Advisory Committee.

“After this game is my timetable to make a decision,” Johnson said before the Peach Bowl. “It takes too much to focus on game-by-game in the Southeastern Conference and then for a bowl game before you start thinking about that.”

Johnson said he hadn’t spoken to Auburn's other draft-eligible players on the roster. They include defensive end/linebacker Jeff Holland, cornerback Carlton Davis, quarterback Jarrett Stidham and tailback Kamryn Pettway, and he said their opinion wouldn’t affect his decision.

“You could talk to them but what are you going to say? What will you say? If you say ‘I think you should go’ but I’m not him. I could say ‘I think you should stay’ but again I’m not him.” Johnson said.

“All of us come from different backgrounds. It sounds like a cliché but what do you want to do? Do you love playing Auburn? I love playing here, love this school, love these coaches, love these teammates and love everything about it. You have to weigh that against future opportunities. You just want to make sure whichever way you go, it’s a hundred percent.”

“Kerryon has made this team better both on and off the field with his character, competitiveness and leadership.”